by Matthew Parsons

This year, St. John Bosco welcomes Kiana Gleason, certified athletic trainer, to the community.

Q. Where were you born? Where did you grow up?

A. I grew up in Oxnard, California, which is about an hour north of Los Angeles.

Q. Where did you go to college?

A. I got my bachelor’s degree from Loyola Marymount University and my master’s degree from California Baptist University.

Q. What made you want to work as an athletic trainer?

A. During high school I knew I wanted to do something in the medical field. My high school was small and didn’t have athletic trainers, so I had no idea what an athletic trainer was until my mom told me about the profession. I looked into it and loved it. It was the perfect combination of sports and healthcare.

Q. What is your favorite and least favorite part of being an athletic trainer?

A. My favorite part of being an athletic trainer is working closely with athletes during their rehabilitation and watching them get stronger and get back to performing on the field/court. My least favorite part is the administrative duties that come with it such as dealing with insurance and other paperwork. 

Q. Where have you worked previously?

A. Prior to St. John Bosco, I had a short-term position at Loyola Marymount University for about 4 months. Before LMU, I was working at San Bernardino Valley College.

Q. How long have you worked as an athletic trainer?

A. I have worked as an athletic trainer for five years.

Q. How did you come across St. John Bosco?

A. I was actually contacted by a family friend who was told that St. John Bosco was looking for a certified athletic trainer and at the time I was looking for work, so I just went for it.

Q. How has your time at St. John Bosco been so far?

A. So far it has been great! All the faculty and staff have been very welcoming.

Q. What do you think of Bosco and it’s students?

A. I think Bosco is a great school. This is my first time working at an all boys school, so it was a little different in the beginning but I’ve gotten used to it. The students are awesome. Never a dull moment with them.

Q. Who was your role model growing up? 

A. I would have to say my mom. She’s very loving and kind, and has always supported me in everything I do. She also showed me how to have a strong work ethic and to always persevere.

Q. Do you have any siblings? 

A. Yes, I have an older brother.

Q. What are your hobbies? 

A. I love music, so I really enjoy just listening to music and going to concerts. I also like doing outdoor activities such as hiking, kayaking, and roller skating.

Q. What is your favorite food?

A. I really love seafood. I eat almost all seafood, including fish, crab, shrimp and mussels.

Q. Are you a morning or night person?

A. I’m a night owl. 

Q. Do you have any pets?

A. I don’t, but I want a dog.

Q. What is your favorite movie or TV show? 

A. My favorite TV show is The Office, it never gets old.

Q. What is your favorite sport and what team is your favorite?

A. Basketball is probably my favorite sport, and my favorite team is the Lakers.

Q. Do you have a favorite athlete?

A. My favorite athlete is definitely Kobe Bryant.

Q. Did you play any sports in high school, and if so, what did you play?

A. I did. I played basketball, soccer, tennis, and ran track.

Q. What type of music do you enjoy?

A. I enjoy mostly R&B and Hip-Hop.